A MAGAZINE FOR THE MODERN GOLFER
SEA ISLAND
The Jewel of the South
TRAVEL
St . Regis Punta
PRIVATE AIR Challenger 300 USA $6.95 CAN $7.95
EVOLUTION OF THE BR MILITARY WATCH
AVIATION BR 03-92 42 mm . VINTAGE BR 126 41 mm . Natural Leather strap Bell & Ross Inc. +1.888.307.7887 . information@bellrossusa.com . e-Boutique: www.bellross.com
Bermuda’s National Drink is a Little Like Her National Dance. Unique, exciting and passed down for generations.
It’s true for our exotic Gombey dancers, who duck and twirl in practiced moves handed down since the 1700s. And it’s true for our notorious Dark ’n Stormy® cocktail. Made with two oz. of Gosling’s Bermuda Black Seal Rum, twirled with Gosling’s Ginger Beer over ice, this exciting drink’s been helping Bermudians keep cool for generations. Happily, you’ll now see it at more and more fine establishments here in the States. And Gosling’s Black Seal at more and more spirits retailers. But to see a Gombey in person, you’ll need to board a plane and come to Bermuda. And would that be so bad?
Gosling’s. For Seven Stubborn Generations. www.goslingsrum.com We make it slowly, stubbornly. Please enjoy it slowly, responsibly. 40% ABV. Product of Bermuda. Castle Brands, NY, NY.
FEATURES
Sea Island GA.
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SEA ISLAND GEORGIA
Golf, Beaches, Fine Dining and so much more Sea Island is luxury personified.
THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
The Gem of the Dominican Republic Luxury Accomodations of Tortuga Bay and scenic golf holes of Corales and La Cana
RESORT FASHION AT THE WESTIN DIPLOMAT Featuring Ashworth, Girls Gold, Fila Adidas
LUXURY LIVING ON KAUI
Tom Weiskopf’s signature championship course is a pure masterpiece and Luxury homes and Home sites
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CONTENTS 20 46 50 54 60 70 74 80
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TEE TIME Hublot Omega Bell & Ross
FASHION Angie Everhart Girls Golf
LIVING
Don Julio Tequila Camacho Cigars
LIVING
Mercedes Benz CL-550 Ferretti 720 Bombardier Challenger 300
TRAVEL
Rivera Maya Ritz Carlton, Grande Lakes St. Regis, Punta Mita Mexico
PROPERTY Kukuiula
WELLNESS
CrossFit Massage for Life St. Regis, Punta Mita Mexico
EVENTS
Bently, NYC Palm Beach Polo Miami Beach Polo
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UNWIND RECHARGE
18-Hole Championship Golf Par 72 on 6,800 yards
rolling fairways 8 acres of lakes 76 bunkers
Golf Shop and Equipment Rentals
Full Service Restaurant & Lounge
Carts equipped with GPS
Proper Attire Required
EVERYONE INVITED 501 Diplomat Parkway, Hallandale Beach 954-883-4449 www.diplomatresort.com/golf for a 3600 view and “fly-over” each hole
Publisher Concept Global Media Inc. President & Editor-In-Chief Bobby Harris Executive Vice President Leila Harris Executive Vice President - Business Development Robert Curry Brand Director Lara Sparks Creative Director Daniel Kessler - DK Design Associate Creative Director Stacey Coon Graphic Design Consultant - C + 8 Felipe Orsiro Marketing & Events Director Lindsay Gorton Managing Editor Lee Dahlberg Associate Editor Camille Lamb Fashion Editorial Director Olivia Wollf Writers Erika Ramelli Macy Border Adrienne Jordan Jessica Cortada Tara Kelly Alexia McIntosh Helen Sparks Photographer Juan Carlos Ariano
G Magazine (ISSN 1944-4397) is Copyright by Concept Media International. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy or any information, storage and retrieval system without written permission. Information & Subscription Inquiries 786.206.7269 info@conceptmediausa.com
Mailing Address Concept Global Media Inc. 276 NE 60th Miami, FL 33137 www.conceptmediausa.com 12
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“Fortune Favors
The Bold.” — vi rgil —
Chimney Rock Cabernet Sauvignon — a rare balance of the elegant and the bold, hand-crafted in the Stags Leap District. favor boldness at C himney R ock.com
L AKE BLUFF, IL
© 2009 TERL ATO WINES INTERNATIONAL
Sea Island: By Bobby Harris
Golf and So Much More The Lodge Entrance
D
ecisions, decisions…do you take that golf vacation you really want, or do you take a family vacation, instead? How about doing both? You can have it all at Sea Island, the Georgia destination with so much to offer…and you don’t even need a passport!
Five miles of delightful private beach surround this resort off the Georgia coast, located midway between Savannah, GA and Jacksonville, FL. Established in 1928, it has a venerable history and yet has so many modern amenities. Two venerable qualities boasted by Sea Island’s accommodation destinations are good old-fashioned friendliness and friendly but impeccable service. So much to do Bounded on the east by the sparkling Atlantic and on the west by the salt marshes that separate it from St. Simons Island, Sea Island offers a marvelous melange of activities for the golfer and the non-golfer alike, and for all ages, including the youngest. Beach walk and discover a sea turtle just hatching. Enjoy a Gold Brick sundae. Play chess on a life-size chessboard. Go kayaking or sailing. Play tennis or squash. The Tennis Center offers 16 Har-Tru® courts, including eight lighted courts, and one stadium court. Ride bikes. Relish the calming effects of walking a labyrinth, or the blood-racing pleasures of learning to skeet-shoot at the shooting school. Or just lie in the sun on the beach, splash in the surf, or enjoy the spectacular pool. There’s a camp for the young ones and a Discovery program for their older siblings. There’s horseback riding and fishing. There are good old-fashioned Bingo games, too, and a 100-seat movie theatre. Enjoy the Forbes Five-Star Cloister Spa at one of the resort’s two hotels. The 65,000-square-foot facility boasts an expert staff of therapists, consultants, and providers and offers a wide array of massages, and body and skin care treatments. A strength and cardio studio features over 5,000 square feet of training equipment and fitness classes that are held each week in four studios dedicated to personal training, yoga and Pilates. The fitness center also has an indoor lap pool and squash courts. Activities especially for kids include Camp Cloister, Cookie Cutters, air rifle Bull's-Eye Hour, beachcombing, and dinner-pajama parties. Teenagers are encouraged to mix and mingle during activities such as bowling, excursions to St. Simons Island, movies, kayaking tours, golf and tennis lessons, and a children’s game room. Spa treatments, cooking classes, nature hikes, and many other events at Sea Island are designed to foster family participation. In fact, there’s so much to do at Sea Island, you may have to extend your stay to have time to do it all!
But you came with the intention of playing golf, and Sea Island is a great place to indulge. Sea Island is home to championship golf courses plus the Sea Island Golf Learning Center. The state-of-the art facility which works with several top PGA professionals, offers an indoor video studio, 300 yards of teeing area, target greens, short-game areas, and an exclusive club-fitting service. Those serious about improvement this is the place. Sea Island Golf Club’s three 18-hole championship courses are Seaside, Plantation, and Retreat. The views as you play your round are stupendous, offering some of the country’s most breathtaking landscapes for your pleasure. Here’s a breakdown on the three courses: Seaside: Par 70; Six tee areas; 5,048 to 7,005 yards; 120 to 141 slope. Seaside is a true links-style course, 15 of whose holes offer breathtaking views. It’s Sea Island’s most demanding layout. Plantation: Par 72; Six tee areas; 5,194 to 7,058 yards; 122 to 136 slope. Plantation unfolds from a forest of ancient live oaks, cedars, and Georgia long-leaf pines and is graced with breathtaking ocean views, plentiful lakes, expansive fairways and liberal sight lines between holes. Designed by Rees Jones, it’s a delight for experienced and novice players alike, but watch out for those tidal creeks and lakes! Retreat: Par 72; Six tee areas; 5,082 to 7,106 yards, 117 to 135 slope Renovated a bit over a decade ago by Davis Love III and his brother, Mark, Retreat features a uniquely dramatic design and challenges golfers to hit a variety of shots to avoid the sand bunkers and work with the undulations. Truly a test of golfing skill, this course is a challenge you won’t want to miss.
Beach Club Pool
You’ve fed your soul. Now feed your body All that activity is bound to work up an appetite. You can dine sumptuously or casually when you’re ready to savor the culinary delights that Sea Island has on offer. You have so many options to choose among. There’s the Forbes Five- Star Georgian Room’s breathtaking elegance and sophistication, offering flavorful refined Southern cuisine complemented by an extensive selection of wines from The Cloister Cellar. Or perhaps you’d prefer the Georgian Private Dining Room, serving up to 10 guests, or the Black Banks River Bar, a wonderful spot for casual dining, where the menu features light snacks and appetizers, and the potables include selections from an extensive wine list, single-malet scotch, and a fine selection of bourbon and whiskey. If all you want at the moment is drinks and perhaps a fine cigar, consider the Smoking Lounge. Want to dine with a seaside view? Visit the Southern Tide, my personal favorite where you must try the slow-smoked oak-brined pork ribs. Confirmed beef eaters can feast on aged beef (or fresh seafood) by the glow of a wood-burning fireplace at Colt & Alison, paired with an extensive selection of wines. Or perhaps you’d prefer the Oak Room, with its tavern menu of local fried shrimp, blue crab jalapeño hush puppies, and other mouth watering fare. At Tavola, rustic Italian is the order of the day. Don’t miss the olive ciabatta. Then there’s the aptly named Wonderland, a sweet shop offering 12 house-made ice creams and over 65 varieties of candy. It’s a perennial fave with kids, but if you’ve got a sweet tooth, you’ll be returning time and again.
Old Town Antalya
Seaside Course, Hole 11
Accommodations At day’s end, you’ll enjoy the magnificence of Sea Island’s accommodations. Choose The Cloister, and you’ll step back into the charm of 1928 updated to total modernity. Originally designed as a “friendly little inn,” the hotel has been enlarged, upgraded, and updated. Terra-cotta roofs, sunlit garden patios, and old-world elegance mark the Mediterranean style that is among the reasons The Cloister is five-star rated by Forbes. The rebuild in 2006 included an entire newly built structure that encompasses many of the original architectural features. Here you’ll find 175 elegant guest rooms and suites, with views of the Black Banks River, the Atlantic Ocean, or the lush natural surroundings. In 2011 Harper’s Hideaway Report honored The Cloister as its #1 Family Resort. January 2009 saw the debut of The Cloister Ocean Villas, with one-, two-, and three-bedroom/bathroom private villas with open kitchens and with balconies that overlook the Atlantic and the private beach. The Cloister guest rooms and suites are exquisitely appointed with handmade Turkish rugs, luxurious bed linens, and stone baths with deep-soaking tubs.
Then there’s The Lodge at Sea Island Golf Club, rated Five Diamonds by AAA and Five Stars by Forbes. The Lodge makes it its mission to offer its guests the ultimate in privacy and luxury. At just 40 rooms, the hotel is intimate and features expansive ocean views. The stunning accommodations offer the feel of a classic English country manor with hand-crafted Oriental rugs, spacious marble baths with deep-soaking tubs and rain head showers. Amenities include a 24-hour butler offering freshly-baked cookies and a daily sundown performance by the resort’s resident bagpiper. But wherever you choose to lay your head, and whichever activities you and your family choose to indulge in to round out your golfing experience, a grand vacation awaits you at Sea Island, as near as Georgia but as far from your mundane cares and real-world worries as you can get. Happy golfing, and happy times to you at Sea Island!
Gloria New Golf Course Natatorium, Spa
Beach Club Suite
Gloria New Course
Garden Atrium, Spa
The Lodge, Sea Island
TEE TIME
HUBLOT
Hublot and Ferrari two of the most famous luxury brands are now as they say an item. This past spring Hublot introduced the Ferrari inspired time piece, which comes in titanium or magic gold. The size of the Big Bang is also slightly larger coming in at 45.5 mm in width. Inside the Big Bang Ferrari is an in-house made Hublot Unico 1241 automatic chronograph movement. www.hublot.com
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U LY S S E
N A R D I N
EL TORO The El Toro collection from Ulysse Nardin is quite an impressive looking watch one which will garner comments from your friends at the club house. The 43mm watch is available in 18k red gold or platinum case with a ceramic bezel presented with a rubber wrist strap with titanium-ceramic clasp or a beautiful leather strap with folding buckle. The sapphire case-back reveals the mechanical workings. www.ulyssenardin.com
B E L L
&
RO S S
AVIATION BR 01 Bell & Ross is an American based company headed by Swiss designers Bruno Belamich and Carlos A. Rosillo. The Aviation BR 01 is styled after the large instruments found in most airplanes. The timepiece is self-winding and incased in 46mm black ceramic. The dial is matte black and photoluminescent covers the hands. www.bellross.com 21
TEE TIME
O M E G A
Speedmaster Co-axial Chronograph Watch The Speedmaster a classic timepiece with over 40 years of style now introduces its latest model the Coaxial Chronograph. This latest version of the classic is 44.25mm wide and comes in steel, platinum, and orange gold. The large diameter movement fills the back casing of the Speedmaster. To showcase the inner workings and Omega also gives you a cap style sapphire crystal over the movement to keep the case thinner. www.omegawatches.com 22
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©2009 TERLATO WINES INTERNATIONAL
Experience one of the New World’s elite red wines. Estate-grown in Stellenbosch, Ernie Els is a blend of all five Bordeaux varietals, from the most coveted red wine region in South Africa. www.terlatowines.com
www.ernieelswines.com
The Dominican Republic ultimate luxury Punta Cana + Casa De Campo By TARA KELLY
photo credit
| Punta Cana Resort and Club
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W
hether you’re vacationing to visit a land rich in beauty and culture, relax and unwind on the beach or spa, or more importantly play on some of the best golf courses in the Caribbean, Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic is a top destination to engage in all of the above.
Punta Cana has 45 holes of golf perfection from beautiful water holes to spectacular inland layouts. The property has 3 golf courses 18 holes at La Cana, 9 at the recently opened Hacienda designed by PB Dye and the G Magazine Editors Choice the Corales Golf Course. Punta Cana Resort & Club is home to two incredible courses La Cana and Hacienda. La Cana which opened in 2001 made the Dominican Republic a true golf destination. La Cana world renowned as one of the most beautiful courses in the Caribbean boasts 14 ocean view holes with 4 close enough for you to take a quick swim. After your round make sure you enjoy a delicious pool side lunch at the La Cana Golf and Beach Clubhouse designed by Oscar de la Renta. The recently opened 9 holes of the Hacienda Course, which is inland is perfect to combine with one of the more ocean view nine holes to give you a great combination of rich beauty and seaside views. Corales is one of the newest golf courses on the island and a must-see and if you’re lucky a must play there is talk of Corales going private. The Tom Fazio designed course integrates 6 seaside holes and challenging inland layout. The fairways are wide and the greens are generous but still challenging for both low and high handicappers. “The golf course at Corales is an adventure taking you through many environments,” wrote Fazio of the design and setting. “From inland holes bordered by lush trees and vegetation to holes playing beside crystal-blue lakes and ultimately along oceanfront cliffs and crashing waves.” Tom Fazio and his associate Tom Marzolf designed the golf course, but the setting – the palette of plant materials and its juxtaposition of turf against rocky shoreline – was the deliberate choice of the principals of the 15,000-acre Punta Cana Resort. That includes fashion designer Oscar de la Renta, singer Julio Iglesias, pioneering Dominican land planner Frank Rainieri and former labor attorney Theodore Kheel.”
photo credit
| Punta Cana Resort and Club
“Corales is a one of a kind golf course a must see for any high-roller. Just minutes from the airport (including a private entrance from the Punta Cana development), you can feasibly be on the golf course in minutes upon arrival.” states Bobby Harris Executive Editor G Magazine 29
Punta Cana has been a top tourist destination since the 1970s; listed number 79 on the top 100 places to visit before you die (conducted by UCLA). Having been founded in 1969, Punta Cana has become a luxurious oasis of tourism, relaxation, and celebrity yacht parties. The area is home to over 35 resorts stretched along 25 miles of white sandy beaches. but the overall winner of best resort is Tortuga Bay. Tortuga Bay is keen on providing VIP service throughout your entire vacation. From checking in through customs at the airport, you’ll notice the staff has an exquisite level of service. The oceanfront resort has beautiful, ocean front grounds and the beach side villas designed by world-renowned designer, Oscar de la Renta. Accommodations at Tortuga Bay are arranged to the last detail. Once your private escort hastily expedites you through the airport, your private concierge expertly handles all of your check in details and provides you with your own golf cart for the duration of your stay, for carefree travel around the grounds. Once you arrive safely
at your villa, you’ll have access to wireless Internet and a beautiful ocean view. Your concierge stays in contact with you via mobile phone (provided by the resort, of course), and you have access to a golf cart, resort bicycles and kayaks, private beaches, pools, and spas, access to the exclusive Bamboo Restaurant, and daily activities planned as a portal for fun or relaxation. The Six Sense Spa, just down the beach from your Tortuga Bay Villa is a world-renowned spa experience. Famous for ‘The Six Senses Signature Package,’ guests are pampered for 7 hours and treated to deliciously fresh spa cuisine for lunch. The treatments include a floral foot ritual and serenity bath, a Six Senses Signature Body Glow and Cocoon, a Volcanic Hot Stone Massage, a Six Senses Signature Facial, Deep Cleansing Hand and Foot Treatment, and Six Senses Signature Tea, Champagne and Chocolate. This is truly a day designed to melt away your stress and revive your senses in the privacy of the tranquil and serene paradise beach spa pavilion.
Tortuga Bay Beach Villas | Evan Schiller
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Corales 8th Hole | Evan Schiller
photo credit
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photo credit
photo credit
La Cana 18th | Evan Schiller
Six Sense Spa | Punta Cana Resort and Club
Hacienda
photo credit
| Evan Schiller
Real Estate within Punta Cana, Dominican Republic is luxurious. Whether you’re looking for something on the water or nearby, there are fantastic options to suit everyone’s needs. Considered ‘the hidden gem of the Caribbean,’ real estate investors within Punta Cana are seeing high returns on their investments. While you’re visiting the fabulous Punta Cana Resort & Club, keep your eyes peeled for celebrity sightings. The likes of Hillary & Bill Clinton are on the island in the winter time, often invited to stay in Oscar de la Renta’s private villa within Tortuga Bay. With that being said, famous fashion designer Oscar de la Renta spends time on the property, as well as sightings of Catherine Zeta Jones and husband Michael Douglas, and Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt during the filming of the movie Santo Domingo in early 2010. Escape to Punta Cana, Dominican republic and bask in the luxurious tropical sun amongst high end resorts, golf courses and Latin culture. Run into some of your favorite celebrities on vacation, leisurely search for your next destination vacation home, or relax in the spa and truly enjoy the splendor of the hidden gem of the Caribbean at Punta Cana Resort & Club, one of the most beautiful, catering and prestigious resorts in Dominican Republic.
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WIDEBAY ESTATES Widebay Estates offers exquisitely furnished and unfurnished waterfront estates and condos for short or long-term rentals and sales. Situated on the islands, the estates are ideally suited as a private retreat. The homes feature breathtaking panoramic water views and world-class interiors designed by Eclectic Elements. Eclectic Elements Furniture, Art and Design Gallery offers complimentary design services. Classic to Modern furniture Sale and Rentals with the quickest delivery turnaround at affordable prices. Contact Monica Suleski Tel: (305) 773-7467 • sales@eemiami.net www.widebayestates.com eemiami.com
CASA DE CAMPO
E
ven if you’ve never played there or stayed there, chances are you’ve heard of Casa de Campo, the premiere resort in the Dominican Republic. It has a well-honed and well-deserved reputation, built up over time, and the resort is always adding something new or touching up and refreshing what’s familiar.
Golf…of course The latest addition is the nine-hole Dye Fore Lagos golf course (named for course designer Pete Dye). Joining the Dye Fore course, the Links Course, and Teeth of the Dog, it’s one of the best reasons—although certainly not the only one—to make Casa de Campo your next vacation’s destination. Located on the northeast side of Dye Fore, Dye Fore Lagos opened last fall 2011. Five of the holes are graced by three massive lakes and their placement presents quite a challenge…but isn’t that what golf is all about? The first four holes of the course play outward and into the prevailing breeze, and four of the five finishing holes play downwind. “Dye Fore Lagos’ signature hole is the par three seventh. It is a 214yard hole with water along the right side that leaves no room for error as you try to hit the smallest of greens.” Dye Fore, at 7,740 yards and with a par of 72, offers multiple challenges for the serious golfer. These include long holes and uneven terrain, not to mention seven cliff side holes that feature 300-foot drops to the Chavón 34
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River, below, and winds that gust up to 40 mph. The 18th hole is the real challenge. Dye Fore saves the greatest challenge for last. If you’re the type of golfer who looks forward to playing a course that tests your mettle, you’ve found your ideal course in Dye Fore. Yet, as if challenging golf weren’t enough, the course offers more than that for the golfer who appreciates the true beauty of nature. When you can afford to break your concentration, look around you. Every single hole on the course offers spectacular views, including the Caribbean Sea, the Dominican mountains, the Chavón River, Casa de Campo Marina, and the Altos de Chavón artists’ village. Do you have a passion for playing on a links-style course, built in the British Isles tradition? “Then you’ll love The Links 7,007 inland yards that were recently renovated earlier this year and feature water, which comes into play on five holes, as well as grass roughs and multiple sand traps to make sure you’re wide awake. At 7,471 yards, Teeth of the Dog is the resort’s best-known course and has been ranked as the top course in the Caribbean and 42nd worldwide. It features devilish doglegs (which have nothing to do with the origin of the course’s name), obstacles, and trade winds. The golf complex at Casa de Campo is the home of the Jim McLean Golf School, so if your game has gotten a little rusty, or you’ve developed a nasty slice, you can work out the kinks in your swing while enjoying the balmy Caribbean weather. Jim McLean’s proven teaching system guarantees results, and Master Instructor Eric Lillibridge will help guide you to better golf whether you’re a newbie at the game, an old hand whose game just needs a touch-up, or somewhere in between.
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Dye Fore Course Holes 13 - 15 35
Tennis If you’ve played your round of golf in the morning and want to do stay active after your round, consider a visit to Casa de Campo’s La Terraza Tennis Center. Situated on a bluff that overlooks the entire resort and the Caribbean Sea beyond it, the “Wimbledon of the Caribbean,” as it’s been called, beckons you to enjoy its own particular challenge. If you’re up for night play, of the 13 fast-dry Har-Tru courts, fully 10 are fully lighted for night play. A cadre of 32 ball boys are on hand to retrieve your errant shots, so you can conserve your energy for the game. The beach and the sea beyond it Naturally, since the resort is located on the Caribbean, there is a great deal of aquatic fun on offer. From splashing in the surf to sunbathing on the beach, from snorkeling to kayaking, from riding Hobie Cats to riding windsurfers or paddleboards, you can hardly get bored at Casa de Campo. You may be bedeviled, though, by having to decide which pleasure to enjoy first. You even need to make a decision when it comes to which beach to enjoy—guests at the resort have choices. Minitas Beach is the resort’s exclusive beach, and it offers not only the activities we just mentioned, which guests can only book through the concierge, but also bar service, featuring piña coladas served in pineapples. On Catalina Island, which is part of a government-protected nature preserve, chaises and shaded lounges dot six square miles of sugar sand beaches. You arrive at the island by catamaran, and when you grow restless after sunbathing awhile, you can explore the artwork and crafts that are on display by local vendors. An alternative activity is snorkeling among the coral reefs.
Then there is Palmilla Beach off of Saona Island, famed for its Technicolor tides. The island and its waters are replete with some fascinating wildlife including dolphins and manatees, loggerhead turtles, and green parrots. Surround yourself with starfish in the waist-deep shallows or, if you’d rather surround yourself with people, join in the daily yacht parties in season. Playita Beach is yours to enjoy in privacy and solitude by advance reservation only. This beach, the property of Casa de Campo, books only one couple or family per day to drink in the serene beauty of the beach’s pristine sands. The epitome of luxe, Playita Beach’s amenities include a personal chef, who will feed you a lobster lunch. Spa services What would a luxury resort be without a spa, and The Casa de Campo Spa is the finest. No surprise in a quality resort such as this, the spa offers a blend of ancient and modern healing therapies, available in seven therapy rooms. Each of the rooms has its own shower and changing area as well as its own patio garden. The treatments feature “gourmet skin care,” made from edible local ingredients and whipped up fresh daily in the Spa Pharmacy. Now, how many spas offer a labyrinth for their guests to stroll through prior to treatment? At this resort, you can soak up the calming, soothing effects of the labyrinth before you start your treatment. Other activities But wait—we aren’t finished yet with the array of activities to enjoy at this plush resort. For one thing, there’s a marina nearly 300,000 square feet with colorful architecture and posh boutiques, cafes, restaurants, bars, and ice cream parlors. There you’ll find a yacht club, a shipyard, and a ship’s chandler. Deep sea fishing, fresh water fishing (on the Chavón River), and sailing rentals or lessons are among the other offerings here.
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Casa de Campo also boasts a Shooting Center, set on 245 acres of dense foliage, which offers over 300 stations for trap, skeet, and sporting clays, as well as pigeon rings. The sporting clays simulate in-flight quail, partridges, ducks and other fowl. If all that shooting makes you thirsty, refresh yourself at the open-air Safari Club Bar. Equestrian activities abound here, including trail rides, jumping lessons, and polo matches. Or perhaps you’d prefer to avail yourself of a scenic ride throughout the resort or out in the tropical trails of the Dominican countryside. Serene or bracing, it’s your choice which type of ride you indulge in. There are horses aplenty to choose from. The polo complex consists of one playing field, two practice fields, and the largest string of polo ponies under a single brand in the world. Matches are played weekly during the November-May season. Casa de Campo offers equipment, group instruction and personalized training for players who need a little help, or you can hire ponies for stick-and-ball tournaments, competing against other members of your family or other group. There is even Donkey Polo, with Dominican burros as your steeds. Gustatory pleasures Does simply reading about all these activities work up an appetite for you? Rest assured that Casa de Campo is ready for you with a vast assortment of food styles from a plethora of restaurants. Preeminent among them is the Beach Club by Le Cirque (of New York), offering elegant beach front dining and the quality and selection of food you’d expect of this famed restaurant. At La Cana by Il Circo, you can enjoy the finest of steaks, seafood fresh from the ocean, and fine wine. Chinois is a Cantonese bistro and sushi bar. La Casita, on the marina, offers seafood and tapas. There’s typical golf club fare on the menu at the 19th Hole, and casual alfresco dining at Lago Grill. If you’re in the mood for gourmet Italian, you won’t go wrong at La Piazzetta. And if that isn’t enough of a choice for you, various other restaurants on the premises, not operated by the resort itself, or on the popular inclusive supplement offer a further panoply of wonderful dining experiences or casual lunches to tickle your palate. Elegant quarters The 185 Elite Balcony and Patio guest rooms and suites at Casa de Campo were recently renovated with modern amenities including 42” flat screen TVs. There are also 50 villa homes of three to five bedrooms each. Luxury personified, these spacious structures include private pools, expansive terraces, a private butler, maid and gardener, and on request a personal chef. Of course you’d expect an in-villa bar, but there is also an assortment of treats if you want something to snack on. Breakfast is prepared for guests right in their villa. A stay in a Casa de Campo villa is indeed an experience in unsurpassed luxury. In fact, the entire Casa de Campo experience is a delight all around. Accessible from three different Dominican airports, La Romana International Airport is just five minutes away from the resort, the best of everything is on offer here, starting with prime golf, of course, but including so much more. The climate is remarkable, the amenities astounding, and the golf superb. What more could you ask for? For more information visit: casadecampo.com.do
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Weekend at the
Diplomat Photographer | Juan Carlos Ariano
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Location | Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa Lee | Ashworth Polo Shirt Australian Shorts, Adidas Shoes. Taylormade Golf Bag and clubs Brittany | Toby Tucker dress and sweater
Photographer | Juan Carlos Ariano Makeup | Ashleigh Jean Sams Models | Lee D, Brittany L. Krush Models Location | Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa Hollywood Fl, www.diplomatresort.com
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Location | Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa Lee | Australian Shirt, Shorts Ashworth Cardiff Shoes. Brittany | JoFit Sweater , Pants Adidas Shoes
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Brittany | Girls Golf
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Location | Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa Lee | Adidas Sweater, Ashworth Shorts Adidas Shoes. Brittany | Toby Tucker Shirt and Shorts Adidas Shoes
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Location | Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa Lee | Australian Jacket, Sweater, and Pants Ashworth Cardiff Shoes
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MIMOSSA SWIMWEAR | by Melissa Pugliese
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ANGIE
A BEAUTY ON THE GREEN
EVERHART By Maelie Arocho
A
ngie Everhart starting turning heads in her early teens and continues to do so on and off the runway. The daughter of a homemaker and engineer, Everhart was discovered at a local fashion show by a talent scout. Within two weeks she was in New York; at 17 she moved to France and lived there for 10 years.
The Haney Project isn’t Everhart’s first time golfing amongst other celebs either. She has played in the Wayne Gretzky & Friends tournament, Joe Pesci’s Celebrity Skins Tournament, and the Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational where she won alongside Atlanta Braves pitcher, John Smoltz, back in 2004.
Everhart has been the spokeswoman for L’Oreal, as well as Finesse and Pantene. She has been featured in the coveted Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition four times and been on the covers of Glamour and Elle. In February 2000, she posed in Playboy and three years later was one of FHM’s 100 Sexiest Women of 2003.
At the Gretzky tournament she won the longest drive when she hit her 3-wood over 200 yards.
Known for her good looks seen both in print, and on the runway, Everhart continued to dominate by showing up on the big screen. She made her film debut in 1993’s Last Action Hero and followed with minor roles in Another 9 ½ Weeks, Wicked Minds, Payback, and most recently, Take Me Home Tonight. Angie has also worked on the small screen in reality shows like Celebrity Mole: Yucatan, To Tell the Truth, and co-hosted the ABC talk show The Ex-Wives Club. Her latest TV appearance though had her walking around a different course, a golf course. Appearing on Golf Channel’s The Haney Project, Everhart competed against three other celebrities for a chance at $100,000 to go toward their favorite charity. If you’re not familiar with the show, Hank Haney, best known for coaching Tiger Woods, takes on four different contestants to help improve their golfing skills. Everhart knows her way around a runway, but what about golf? The daughter of two avid golfers, Everhart has actually been playing since she was five years old. She even earned the junior club champ at Ohio Prestwick Country Club where her parents golfed. Although the large sum ultimately didn’t go to Everhart, she did enjoy working with Haney on improving her golf skills.
Everhart’s parents are what keep the former model coming back to the green. Considering herself a “country-club baby” Everhart’s parents currently live on a golf course in Arizona and provide ample tips to improve Everhart’s game. Her father, Bob Everhart, was even named after Bobby Jones. In terms of statistics, Everhart’s estimated handicap is 27 and she uses a Callaway Big Bertha irons and driver, and Bobby Jones putter. Some of her favorite courses include Pebble Beach, Cypress Point, Bel-Air and Sherwood. She admits that she should probably take more lessons to improve her game, but tries not to take the game too seriously. On the other end of the spectrum Everhart also enjoys skydiving, racing cars, and climbing mountains. In 2009 she climbed Mount Kilimanjaro and the event was documented for HDNET. Everhart’s role as a mother also brought on a new accomplishment adding Nutrisystem spokesperson to her long list when she used the program to get her pre-baby body back. Model, actress, golfer, adrenaline junkie, mother; Angie Everhart has encompassed many roles and it’s doubtful that many more won’t soon be added to the list.
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Girls Golf A True Birdie By Adrienne Jordan
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irls Golf is a “fashion forward” brand, according to Anne Margulis, the founder of this internationally acclaimed clothing line. Margulis retired from nursing in 2000, and started playing golf at the age of 38. She decided she did not want to become one of those women that have a routine lifestyle of playing bridge and going out to lunch. Therefore, Margulis recaptured her childhood dreams of a career in fashion, and made her presence known in the golf apparel circuit. Margulis set out to lay the foundation for Girls Golf, taking over 2 years of planning. For her collection, she decided to use the highest-quality cotton, hand selected colors and prints, as well as having her clothes produced in limited quantities. Playing golf with her girlfriends gave Margulis the idea of creating a clothing line to bring women together. “The idea behind Girls Golf has always been that women shouldn't have to stop looking and feeling like women just because they're playing golf. I want Girls Golf to give women the feeling that they're part of something fun, like a sisterhood or sorority. That's what golf has meant for men for generations.” Margulis is inspired by trends in fashion and the arts, as well as the colors she sees outdoors while playing golf in Michigan and Florida. Anne loves a good laugh, as her philosophy holds to “respect the traditions, but have a sense of style and humor”. This is apparent in the playful, graphic designs on her tee-shirts, with “FORE”, “PAR” or “BIRDIE” on the back. After wearing
one of her shirts on the golf course, Margulis describes their popularity as being a “feeding frenzy-everyone wanted one”. The designer understands and respects the need for conservative golf apparel required at certain country clubs. However, Margulis still designs with the woman’s figure in mind. The conventional golf-wearer will feel comfortable, yet attractive in her signature fleur-de-lys prints and color block skorts. The variety of colors and patterns are endless in the Girls Golf collection, ranging from lime green and bright orange polos, to zebra and leopard-print slacks. Some of the sophisticated pieces from the Girls Golf Spring 2012 collection include the cotton sateen stretch shorts in checkered and floral print, as well as her signature birdie polo in nine different colors. Margulis also has a “Girls Golf Europe” line is that is targeted towards her European clientele. “The rules at country clubs in Europe and Canada are less conservative, therefore the collection comes in smaller sizes and is more fitted,” she says. This aspect also makes the collection more popular with her younger audience. The Girls Golf line has taken off from its launch in 2004, and Margulis has not looked back since. The Girls Golf USA and Europe collections can be found in 150 different boutiques, resorts, and clubs throughout U.S., Canada and Europe. www.girls-golf.com
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lanco, Reposado, Añejo, in a margarita, mojito, or on the rocks. When it comes to tequila the choices are endless, as are the ways you can drink them.
Don Julio, the founder passed away earlier this year, began distilling tequila 70 years ago, before he was even of legal age to drink his own concoction. What began as tequila to share with friends and family eventually turned into a business. In 1985, Don Julio’s sons created a tequila in their father’s name. Two years later the tequila was launched for sale in Guadalajara, Mexico and neighboring cities. Don Julio tequila is 100% blue agave and aged accordingly. Don Julio tequila starts with the cultivation of the agave plant, which is harvested once it is ready whether it takes months or years.
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Once harvested the heart of the plant (piña) is cut, loaded into ovens, steamed, ground, and fermented. After this process the tequila moves on to be distilled, twice. For Real and 1942, a specific still is used for distillation. Let’s start with the basics… Blanco - Clear, sweet, light and smooth. This is your staple tequila for margaritas as the tequila provides hints of lime and lemon. If you’re looking to spice up your margarita try a jalapeño margarita. Reposado- aged for 8 months, citrus and spice notes with a golden color. Aged in wooden barrels means the reposado may have hints of oak as well. Don Julio suggests making a Paloma with this tequila. Don Julio’s 1942 and Real tequilas are best enjoyed neat and without the “training wheels”.
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Margarita Legendario Ingredients: 1 ounce Tequila Don Julio Blanco 1/2 ounce Grand Marnier速 1/2 ounce fresh lime juice Salt 5 ice cubes 1 lime wedge Preparation: Mix Tequila Don Julio Blanco, fresh lime juice and Grand Marnier in a cocktail shaker. Shake well. Rim an old-fashioned cocktail glass with salt and fill with ice. Pour contents from shaker into glass. Garnish with a lime wedge. Ideal Serving Glass: Old-fashioned cocktail glass Yield: 1 drink
Paloma Brava Created by Mixologist Dushan Zaric
Ingredients: 1 1/2 ounces Tequila Don Julio速 Reposado Juice of 1 lime Juice of 1 small orange Juice of 1 small grapefruit 4 ounces of grapefruit soda Pinch of salt Agave nectar to taste Preparation: Add salt, Tequila Don Julio Resposado, fresh lime, orange, and grapefruit juices into a glass mug. Lime hull can also be included. Fill with ice and add grapefruit soda. Agave nectar to taste. Ideal Serving Glass: Glass mug Yield: 1 Drink
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amacho cigars have always provided high quality products to consumers, from its small familial beginnings in Miami. Considering themselves the ‘World’s Boldest Cigars’ Camacho was started by Simon Camacho in 1961. Camacho cigars soon gained popularity within and outside of the U.S. Most famous among Camacho devotees was former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill.
hints of coffee and wood in the flavor. The Camacho Select is an ultrapremium rich cigar with flawless flavor. If you’re not necessarily a cigar aficionado, Camacho Cigars offers a “cigar finder” on their website that allows user to search by flavor and strength. Something sweet and light in flavor? Try Baccarat “The Game”. Vanilla with a mild flavor? Check out the Legendario.
After the death of its founder in 1995, Camacho Cigars was acquired by the Eiroa family who owned Caribe Imported Cigars in Miami. Tobacco production was moved from Nicaragua to Honduras and five years later they released the Camacho Corojo, a fully-aged cigar with a strong and spicy taste reminiscent of Cuban cigars. The Camacho Corojo Figurado was actually named one of Cigar Aficionado’s 25 Best Cigars of 2011.
Those interested in learning more about the cigars can find the length, ring, and strength of the cigars online. They’ll also find more information about the wrapper, binder, and filler.
Choose from over a dozen cigar brands and series; from its core brands, to premium, and ultra-premium. The Legendario is a core cigar that can be enjoyed at any time of the day; it has an attractive aroma and mild flavor. Looking for something stronger? Try the Camacho SLR Maduro that has
Many Camacho Cigars have gained ratings over 90 from Cigar Aficionado and Cigar Journal Magazine; for the celebrity junkie, Chris Bosh of the Miami Heat celebrated his most recent birthday with Camacho Cigars. Experience the tradition, and find the Camacho that could be right for you at camachocigars.com.
Private aviation without compromise. NetJets, 25 hours at a time. ®
Available for one simple payment without a long-term commitment, the Marquis Jet Card® is simple to purchase and easy to use. It’s the ideal solution for those who fly fewer than 50 hours per year yet want the flexibility that Only NetJets® can provide. Best of all, the Marquis Jet Card is from NetJets®, a Berkshire Hathaway company. Because a jet card is only as good as the company behind it.
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1.877.JET.5910 | MARQUISJET.COM A Berkshire Hathaway company All fractional aircraft offered by NetJets ® in the United States are managed and operated by NetJets Aviation, Inc. Executive Jet ® Management, Inc. provides management services for customers with aircraft that are not fractionally owned, and provides charter air transportation services using select aircraft from its managed fleet. Marquis Jet ® Partners, Inc. sells the Marquis Jet Card ®. Marquis Jet Card flights are operated by NetJets Aviation under its 14 CFR Part 135 Air Carrier Certificate. Each of these companies is a wholly owned subsidiary of NetJets Inc. © 2011 NetJets Inc. All rights reserved. NetJets, Executive Jet, Marquis Jet, and Marquis Jet Card are registered service marks.
LIVING
Mercedes-Benz CLS 550: Bold and Beautiful
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he new Mercedes-Benz CLS 550 is a striking combination of power and luxury. This second-generation CLS exudes elegance and style, but it also adds some aggression to its looks with accentuated creases along the flanks and brash-looking air scoops near the front bumpers.
Larger Body CLS 550 is slightly larger than its predecessor, keeping in with the market trend that seems to favor bigger cars. From an earlier wheelbase of 112.4 inches, the new model provides 113.2 inches. The length of the vehicle has also increased from 193.6 to 194.5 inches. The height has increased to 55.8 inches and the width to 74.1 inches. Its running gear originates from the new E-class sedan, but the CLS 550 has a marginally wider track in the back and front. Overall, it is a package of boldness and beauty that elevates it to a class of traffic-stoppers. Safety Features CLS 550 is obsessed with power and looks, but it does not strike a compromise on the car’s safety in the process. An array of safety features has been imbedded into the car. It boasts of 12 assistance systems and nine standard air bags. New assistance systems have been added in this model to enhance the driving experience. These include active systems to help with monitoring blind spots, staying in the appropriate lane, and parking. The blind spot monitoring system not only alerts the driver to a vehicle in a blind spot, but it also automatically uses the brakes to pull the car away from an approaching vehicle. Other standard safety systems include active head restraints, night vision assist, stability and traction control, and PreSafe accident avoidance system. Distinct Style The CLS 550 has been accorded distinctive styling, keeping in mind the needs of a buyer who is looking for a premium luxury automobile. The
car emphasizes on exclusivity with its distinguished design that combines bold curves and a radical roof line slope of a two-door coupe with the comfort and luxury of a four-door sedan. The car is not only faster and bigger than its predecessor, but it also achieves superior gas mileage. Improved Engine The new engine of the CLS 550 is a remarkable improvement over its predecessor. The 4.7L twin-turbo 402-hp V8 engine delivers an amazing 443 lb-ft. of torque. This is a dramatic increase from the earlier model’s 382-hp and 391-lb-ft torque. The pick-up and speed of CLS 550 is adequate for most buyers who prefer faster vehicles. The car zooms from 0 to 60 in 5.1 seconds, which is 0.3 seconds over the previous model. In terms of fuel efficiency, the rear-wheel-drive model of 2012 CLS 550 is rated to deliver 17 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway, while the all-wheel-drive model delivers 17 mpg and 25 mpg. This is a significant improvement over the 2011 model that delivered 14 mpg and 21 mpg. Driving Performance The CLS 550 performs quite like any other high-end model of Mercedes in the Comfort arena. When required, it delivers sufficient power in this mode. The engine is noiseless, the acceleration restrained and smooth, and the suspension is reasonably soft in Comfort mode. However, once you switch the car to Sport mode, it becomes a different automobile for the person behind the wheel. The engine begins to growl, the accelerator becomes more aggressive, and the suspension hardens. The twin turbos kick in as you punch the gas, and there is no noticeable lag. Some people may find the steering to be on the heavier side, but it does provide it a satisfying road feel. The new CLS 550 appears more biased towards luxury with an exquisite interior quality, ambience, and stylish exteriors. However, hidden beneath this luxury is a machine that delivers stunning power through its intentionally muted but high-performance engine.
LIVING
The Ferretti
Yacht 720 F
erretti Yachts, an icon of Italian-made luxury and a historic branch of the Ferretti Group brand, presents the new Ferretti 720. This revolutionary model encompasses all of the classic Ferretti Yacht style and attention to detail, while increasing the size of its spacious interiors and adding sleeker and sportier design elements. The new 720 debuted at the 52nd Ft. Lauderdale International Boat Show, the largest boat show in the U.S. and one of the largest in the world, and prior to its U.S. debut received the honor of World Yacht Trophy in the Cannes boat show for best layout in the Fly Bridge category under 77 feet. The Ferretti 720 is an evolution of the Ferretti Yachts range, resulting from concepts developed with the Ferretti 800, creating a balance mixed between the classical-contemporary style, typical of the brand and a modern taste of interiors, altogether with a striking exterior design. “This project was also developed through our ability to further satisfy our clients’ demands, even the younger, international ones, who like the characteristics of Ferretti Yachts models, but are attracted by increasingly sportier, racy lines, too,” commented Alessandro Tirelli, Ferretti Yachts Brand Manager. The 72 foot craft comes with a multitude of upgraded innovations, resulting from an innovative collaboration between the Studio Zuccon International Project, the AYT - Advanced Yacht Technology, the naval reproach and design center for the group, and the team of architects and designers of the Centro Stile Ferretti group. The new model features a winning and sleeker exterior line, a new concept roll bar with an integrated Bimini top, and is characterized by an innovative design which makes this yacht particularly sportier. Large hull windows positioned so they light up the guest and VIP cabins at bow have been added to the open views fitted in the hull. The cockpit is a true outdoor salon, with teak flooring, and a large table with a bench and seating for 8-10 guests. The fly bridge is reached using the stairs set on the port side, where a large dining area with U-shaped table is located, as well as a grill area and fridge. The davit enables owners’ to house the tender for which a special space has been reserved on the fly bridge, while a jet ski can be housed on the stern spoiler. The raised external steering position guarantees excellent visibility and is located starboard at bow along with another large sun deck. Inside, the Ferretti 720 features generous spaces, further enlarged by the natural light which filters in through her large windows. Excellent
Evolution meets Classic Ferretti Style
The Ferretti 720 provides the Ferretti Yachts range with a model that harmoniously combines Ferretti DNA with revolutionary features, both in her lines and the design of space.
By Jessica Cortada
livability characterizes the large salon, which uses the width of the hull, to offer an environment typically found in much larger yachts. The interior of the salon has been organized into living and dining areas. In true Ferretti style, the feeling of openness and close proximity to the ocean can be felt through the entire salon. The living area accents the open air feeling produced by its large windows and features a refreshing natural color scheme with light colored leathers seen through seating spaces in the salon and cabinet accents. Towards the bow, a dining area is located with a large custom-made crystal table produced by Cantori, which features a central base and an Omnidécor crystal glass top with a stained bronze-finish top. The lunch area is completed with Martha G model seats produced by O&G-Gruppo Calligaris, featuring a steel structure. Materials with a contemporary taste, such as lacquered elements alternated with leather and grey oak wood blend together to make this area warm, refined and welcoming. Full and minimalist style spaces alternate elegantly, resulting in a wellbalanced, lightweight appearance. The comfortable and uniquely designed low residing pieces of furniture are highly functional and allow ample views of the ocean. The salon wall towards the bow incorporates a beautiful designed collage and illusion of different materials, including oak wood and stained bronzed mirror, which also provides an innovative option to fit a sliding door to separate this area from the others on the main deck. Continuing along the salon, an easily accessible, yet intricately designed access area leads to the galley and helm station. A spacious, lacquered white, fully-equipped galley with Corian designed work top is an added feature to this styled galley, which connects the helm station by means of a sliding door. The galley area also includes a charming and comfortable dinette with two small sofas that can be used as a common talking area, in direct connection with the helm station. Ferretti 720 is fitted with twin 1381hp MTU 10V 2000 M 92 engines or, optional 1524hp MTU 10V 2000 M 93 engine. With the larger engine, the yacht can reach a top speed of 33.5 knots and a cruise speed of 30. Ferretti Group of America (954) 462-5527 Ferrettigroupofamerica.com Ferretti-yachts.com
LIVING
Bombardier
Challenger 300
Private Jet:
Bombarding the Sky with Style and Substance
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ttention, millionaires and billionaires! And corporate jet-setters too! Bombardier has just redefined the norms of air travel with its Challenger 300 batch of private jets. Superlative performance, unparalleled luxury, and a gamut of exciting and innovative features—the Bombardier Challenger 300 series takes off from where its predecessor had left off and soars high amongst competitors.
The Bombardier Challenger 300 is an extremely popular model amongst all in the super-mid-sized ilk but far from resting on its laurels, Bombardier constantly strives to perfect existing makes and in the effort manages to surpass customer expectations, uncannily every time. So, what makes the Challenger 300 a force to reckon with in the skies? Take a sneak peek, but first fasten your seat belts! The Bombardier Challenger 300 is a high-performance transcontinental private jet that has notched up some quite impressive flying records. Its Mach 0.82 high-speed cruise capability makes it possible to traverse United States in less than five hours. Besides, it also holds the record for making the flight between Carlsbad (CA) and Bangor (Maine) and from Miami (FL) to Seattle (WA) in the shortest time. The explosive power of the Challenger 300 makes it an ideal choice for taking off on transcontinental flights to London from the U.S. mainland or for plying on the Singapore-Tokyo, Berlin-Riyadh, and Geneva-Dubai routes. The powerful and fuelefficient Honeywell HTF7000 turbo-fan engines with high bypass ratios aboard the Challenger 300 and more than 3,000 kilograms
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of thrust make it possible for you keep a step ahead of time and also not burn a hole in your pocket as you make your way across continents, seas, and oceans. The extremely cost-efficient flight performance of the Bombardier Challenger 300 is indeed awe-inspiring and it is not hard to understand why these jets are ordered by the dozens by various aviation companies around the world. But when it comes to incabin luxury features, the Challenger 300 proves that even the sky is not the limit! The Bombardier Challenger 300 offers a choice of four different floor plans, each one voluminous enough to facilitate an immensely productive working environment. Each plan features a sprawling cabin that can snugly accommodate about eight persons who can work and/rest without needing to jostle for arm, elbow, and leg room. The cabins feature sophisticated and ergonomic seats that can be turned 180 degrees and also reclined to allow maximum comfort and convenience while the flat floors facilitate freer and safer movements when the plane is up in the air. The baggage area also flaunts ample dimensions and quite thoughtfully, Bombardier has made this area accessible from the cabin. Whether you flip through the brochures or pore over the photographs, you will realize that when it comes to class and comfort, the cabins of the Challenger 300 provide the best and the quietest office spaces that you can ever imagine, at 45,000 feet up. Throughout the years, the Bombardier Challenger 300 has evolved to suit the needs of corporate bigwigs, entrepreneurs, and in general, men of means in these fast-paced times—to fly in style without compromising on the comforts and conveniences of their stationary offices on the ground.
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Riviera Maya By Cynthia MacGregor
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o matter how dedicated a golfer you are, there is so much more to do when you visit the Riviera Maya area of Mexico that you’ll find yourself torn when planning out your day’s activities. Get in touch with your inner Indiana Jones or Captain Nemo, pamper yourself at a spa, indulge in water sports, or shop the fabulous “Fifth Avenue of Mexico.” There’s something of interest in the area for every member of your family or group of golf buddies, something for every taste. Tulum is the only archaeological site located by the sea, and it offers not only a chance to explore an ancient civilization but also the opportunity to go for a swim in the sparkling Caribbean. Built in the top of an oceanfacing cliff, the site offers over 60 well-preserved structures within three massive walls, including a main temple. All these are remnants of the ancient Mayan civilization.
Iberostar Playa Paraiso
As for the beach, it offers cabanas and charming "eco-hotels," as well as sparkling sands to bask on and glimmering waters to frolic in. If you prefer your cultural interactions to be more modern, spend time at Xcaret, a theme park that’s the antithesis of the plastic Florida attractions. Here you can learn about the area's ecology and Maya history, relax on the beach, float down one of two subterranean rivers, swim with dolphins, or wander jungles—and those are just some of the possibilities. Riviera Maya is also home to the largest coral reef in North America, and that’s only one of the opportunities for divers, snorkelers, and swimmers. But perhaps you’d prefer to snorkel in the world’s largest aquarium, XelHa. There are even a few small archaeological sites at Xel-Ha, since the area is rich with remnants of the ancient Mayan culture.
Bahia Principe
There are still more beaches at Akumal, which feature reefs that call to divers from all around the world. “Akumal” means “place of the turtles” in the Mayan language, but you don’t have to be a turtle fancier to become fascinated with Akumal. There are silky beaches, caves, and subterranean rivers that are yours for the exploring. Come and be an adventurer…or just soak up the sun and work on your tan. And if caves are your thing, Aktun Chen, another area destination, offers caves aplenty. But for those less interested in archaeology than in modern-day acquisitions, Playa del Carmen’s “La Quinta Avenida” (literally “Fifth Avenue”—and do think of New York City’s famed like-named street) offers shopping in a panoply of venues with a multiplicity of merchandise types for every taste and interest. There is both traditional and international cuisine on offer at restaurants up and down the street, and nightlife that keeps the street lively till the first blush of morning. El Camaleon
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f your body is protesting because you danced till dawn—or if you simply want to indulge yourself because vacations are for pampering—treat yourself to a spa visit at one of the several spas that pervade the Riviera Maya. With a variety of offerings and approaches, they will soothe your body and renew your spirit. But we’ve talked so much about the other wonders and delights of Riviera Maya, you may be wondering, What about the golf? Indeed! Riviera Maya is known for its world-class golf courses and resorts. Here is a sampling:
Courses Golf Club El Camaleon Mayakoba
Designed by Greg Norman and framed by the unspoiled nature of Mayan cenotes (subterranean caves and sinkholes), tropical streams, and the Caribbean Sea, this 18-hole, par 72 golf course gets its name from its diverse layout and ever-changing landscape. It bends through the tropical jungle, dense mangroves, stunning oceanfront stretches of sand, and long channels with limestone borders. The fairways are Paspalum lined with sand dunes and mangroves, and the course features unique hazards such as cenotes and crystal clear lagoons. Here you will also find a 360-yard driving range, a fully stocked pro shop, locker rooms, and a snack bar. The golf carts are equipped with GPS yardage information software, and players can record their scores electronically.
Golf Club Playacar
Located just one hour from Cancun’s Hotel Zone in Playa del Carmen, the stellar par 72 golf course offers 7,144 yards surrounded by lakes and exuberant vegetation. It was designed and constructed under the supervision of Robert Von Hagge and is considered the most challenging golf course of the region.
Golf Club Iberostar Playa Paraiso
What better recommendation could there be than from GOLFWEEK Magazine, which ranked Playa Paraiso one of the Top 15 Best Courses in the Caribbean and Mexico? This Dye family creation is immersed in the ancient Mayan jungle and offers not only superb golf but spectacular nature all around including natural rock work. The course’s “All-Inclusive” concept means that your green fee includes the golf cart, range balls, all food and beverages such as beer, liquor, wine, bottled water, soft drinks, (before, during, and after your round), as well as your souvenir yardage book and all taxes. The pro shop is stocked with the latest in golf apparel and accessories, including top-of-the-line rental equipment in both steel and graphite, for both right- and left-handed players of both sexes.
Resorts Playacar Palace
What do you want to treat yourself to? Golf? A spa visit? Swimming with the dolphins? Touring around Mexico and visiting the local sights? There are various packages that, according to your tastes, include your activities and accommodations. Most of the Playacar Palace’s guest rooms and suites offer ocean views, so you can sleep with the soothing sounds of surf wafting through your window and wake to the sunrise over the Caribbean. With a choice of six in-resort dining and drinking venues (plus 24-hour room service), you can avail yourself of your choice of delectable dining cuisines in a casual setting. Foods are prepared using a mixture of the finest local and imported ingredients.
Iberostar Grand Hotel Paraiso
The 310 adults-only suites here include oceanfront, ocean view, and garden view, as well as two magnificent Presidential suites and 10 secluded villas. The resort boasts four restaurants, a five-star buffet, snack/bar/grill on the beach and at the pool, six bars, and 24-hour room service.
Amenities include champagne upon check-in, a pillow menu, mini-bar stocked with favorite beverages, daily newspaper and shoe shine, and butler service on the beach and at the swimming pools. In addition to golf, there are facilities to practice various sports, including a fitness center with machines, aerobic, gymnastics, dance, yoga, tai chi or spinning rooms, outdoor shooting facilities, archery, tennis, basketball, volleyball, beach volleyball, table tennis, darts, and billiards. Water sports include catamaran, kayak, introduction to diving in the pool and more! For an additional fee, guests can arrange to participate in water sports and activities such as the banana boat, boat trips, PADI diving school, jetskiing, parasailing, sailing lessons, water skiing, and windsurfing. 18 holes of pleasure and more—wherever you play With the variety of activities at your fingertips, and some of the Caribbean’s greatest golf, you can’t miss on a golfing vacation to Riviera Maya.
TRAVEL
Ritz Carlton Exterior at Sunrise
Fly fishing on Shingle Pond
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Ritz Carlton Golf Club
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Putting on the Ritz R it z
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itz Carlton is a household name in resort luxury and privilege. When you open your car door in front of the Ritz Carlton Grande Lake in Orlando, Florida you’re promptly greeted by a bellman to carry your luggage and valets to whisk your car away safely until you’re ready for it.
also exfoliate your epidermis with options from their Eco Garden Scrub bar, or relax in one of the Pampering Cabanas which feature pool side service to couples, or for birthday or diva packages. All of the rejuvenating facials, massages, hair and nail services one could ask for in a state of the art spa facility.
The concierge is accommodating within and outside of the hotel. Rainy day? They’ll loan you an umbrella. Want to play an in-room board game? They’ll have some options delivered via room service.
If your passion is golf, look no farther than The Ritz Carlton Golf Club Orlando, Grande Lakes. The optional Caddie Concierge program provides golfers with an experience not typically found in Florida. Each group is paired with a ‘knowledgeable, professional attendant, providing a distinguished level of service usually reserved for private clubs.’ Features include course navigation, hole descriptions and target lines, golf ball location, yardage stats, cleaning of golf clubs, course strategy tips, and the caddie will attend to the flagstick, too!
A prestigious property featuring 582 well-appointed guest rooms, including 56 club level rooms, 60 Executive suites, two Presidential Suites and one Royal suite, you have access to 11 exceptional dining establishments on site, you’re within close proximity to Orlando International Airport and all of the wonderful attractions bringing people to Orlando to begin with. The hotel itself is a destination, featuring a 40,000 square foot spa facility and an 18-hole Greg Norman-signature golf course featuring The Ritz-Carlton Golf Caddie Concierge Program. The hotel also hosts a number of ‘adventure experiences’ for guests. A delve into various cuisines at 11 on site restaurants and you won’t even know where to start! The Vineyard grill is one of the more upscale options, an excellent steak house featuring a vast selection of prime meats, mouth-watering side dishes and fresh seafood— with an eclectic wine list. Perhaps you’re in the mood for something ultra-casual, try Bleu, the hotel’s signature pool side restaurant and bar featuring an array of fresh burgers, seafood and salads. Primo, the resorts Italian dining experience, features cuisine prepared with fresh and seasonal herbs and vegetables—grown and picked daily. This option is only available for dinner and reservations are recommended. The restaurant is located at the adjacent JW Marriot, however the properties share a number of amenities. You’ll find me at Norman’s. “Tantalize your taste buds at NORMAN’S, the award-winning restaurant with celebrity Chef Norman Van Aken’s acclaimed New World Cuisine as the culinary centerpiece. Fusion of Latin, Caribbean and Asian recipes with traditional European technique. Large windows and outdoor terrace feature breathtaking views of the lake, golf course and gardens.” In between activities and dining, find time to get pampered in the top-notch spa facility. The Thai Massage room is where it’s at if you’re looking for the ultimate relaxation techniques, but you can
This course was designed by two-time British Open Champ Greg Norman and provides challenges to test the golfers ability. Kayaking and Eco-tours of the facility and surrounding area are available for guests of the Ritz Carlton Grande Lake Resort. Perhaps you’re interested in the Emotion Eco-Tour on Shingle Creek, where guests paddle and navigate their canoes down Shingle creek, drinking in scenic Old Florida. You may desire guided bird watching or an informative nature hike to get you into the great outdoors, both of which are offered at the Ritz Carlton Grande Lake. Fly fishing and conventional fishing experiences are also available from novice to expert level, giving guests the opportunity to catch a likeness of fresh water fishing, including an array of Florida Bass. The ’18 Holes of Bass’ fishing experience is geared toward spin anglers and hosted on the Greg Norman Signature Golf Course. Enjoy fishing for Trophy Largemouth Bass with their Pro Staff on one of the golf courses 13 private ponds. The Ritz Carlton Grande Lakes Resort is within close proximity to all of the theme park attractions within Orlando and Kissimmee, and offer shuttle services to and from the parks for guests. Special accommodations can be made within the facility for large parties or events, and it’s truly a beautiful, luxurious destination for an over the top, elegant wedding. The Ritz Carlton Grande Lake is easily the most ritzy and fantastic resort experiences within Orlando, Florida. Stay a few nights to experience the joy of being waited on (hand and foot), pampered, and satisfied.
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LUXURY SOUTH OF THE BORDER STYLE ST. REGIS PUNTA MITA RESORT
Exterior Altimara
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n old song from the 1940s sang of falling in love “South of the Border, down Mexico way.” And if you go to Mexico—specifically, to the St. Regis Resort in Punta Mita—you’ll fall in love too… with the resort, its two Jack Nicklaus Signature golf courses, the service, which the resort describes as “bespoke,” with the indescribably delicious food, and with the many other amenities and activities that it has to offer.
forced carry over the Pacific to a green located on a natural island.
Enjoy world class fishing and diving, indulge in world-class tennis (in a center nestled in a palm grove), delight your body with pampering in the luxe Remède Spa, and above all, engage in as much golf as you can cram into your stay.
AAA gave its prestigious Five Diamond Award to the resort’s signature restaurant, Carolina. The cuisine is international, with an emphasis on seafood…which is hardly surprising, given that the resort is nestled on the Pacific shoreline. There is also a distinct reliance on Mediterranean-style cookery, but with flavorings uniquely Punta Mita’s. Discerning palates will recognize the touch of a master chef. Indulge yourself in Caribbean Lobster, roasted with spices and served with fennel mousseline with a touch of Papantla vanilla and coriander vinaigrette, or Canelón, a stuffed artichoke with lobster, foie gras, and truffles.
The resort has two Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Courses, dubbed “Bahia” and “Pacifico.” Both were created to embrace the natural beauty of the area, including not only the natural flora but oceanside panoramas that give the golfer magnificent sweeping vistas to enjoy and appreciate when traveling from one hole to the next tee. The courses are easily accessible from the resort, and the resort’s concierge will gladly assist you in arranging transportation, booking a tee time, and arranging for any needed equipment. Singles may book as such or be paired on request. The 18-hole par 72 Championship Bahia course offers a wide range of tee boxes, accommodating players at every level. The Pacifico course is also a par 72 Championship course suited to golfers of every level. Fully eight of the holes face the ocean, and number 13 faces on a quiet lagoon. There is a choice of five sets of tees on this course. An optional par 3 hole offers a strong challenge to even the most accomplished of players: It features a 66
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Of course, all that activity demands you fuel your body with food, but at the St. Regis Resort, food is much more than just energy fuel—it’s an Experience. It’s a gastronomic indulgence. It is pure heaven on a well-filled plate.
If the marvelous golf courses weren’t reason enough to visit the St. Regis and, truly, they are—the divine food at Carolina would, by itself, be worth the visit. But the food isn’t even the only thing to applaud at Carolina. While you wait for your dinner, enjoy the breathtaking views. Or avail yourself of the romantic outdoor terrace, perhaps as the venue in which to sip après-golf cocktails as a prelude to your dining experience. Exquisitely appointed, the Carolina boasts lush black-and-white velvety textures with silver accents, and unique handcrafted lamps. The atmosphere is best described as casual elegance in a luxurious, sophisticated setting. GMAGTV.COM
Pacifico Golf Course 18th Hole
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Las Marietas Restaurant & Family Pool
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If your tastes run to something more casual, the Sea Breeze Beach Club’s restaurant and bar offers a predominantly Mediterranean eclectic menu spotlighting only the freshest ingredients, seasonal organic produce, prime Black Angus beef, local seafood, and homemade pasta. Open for lunch as well as dinner, the restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor seating. The bistro atmosphere is relaxed, the dress code casual. If your taste buds are crying out for Mexican food, you’ll find authentic regional Mexican cuisine with clear views of the Pacific at Las Marietas Restaurant and bar. Named after the nearby islands—which offer outdoor adventures as well as breathtaking beauty, should you care to make a brief foray across the water—the restaurant features such dishes as free-range chicken mole stuffed with dried fruits and smothered in red mole sauce. Are you a fan of ceviche? At Las Marietas, it’s marinated in lemon and scented with fine herbs. Suitably, for a restaurant located next to the resort’s family pool, Las Marietas is casual in its ambience. Here you can get your fill not only at lunch but at breakfast. Like the atmosphere, the dress code is casual. Fancy a post-prandial drink or a before-dinner cocktail? The Altamira Lobby Bar not only serves alcoholic beverages but is the venue for the resort’s Afternoon Tea. It is also the site for the weekly St. Regis sunset Champagne Ritual. But no matter how good the food is—and it is exquisite—you won’t want to spend all your time eating. Certainly not with all the other activities the St. Regis Punta Mita Resort offers. Of course there’s the golf—a very big reason to visit the St. Regis, for sure—but you can’t golf from dawn till dusk, either, and besides, you may be traveling with a non-golfing companion…or children. What can your companion, your kids, and you yourself do when you’re not on the links? Plenty!
For starters, we already mentioned the Remède Spa, but picture this: It offers a full menu of sumptuous pampering and revitalizing in nine treatment rooms, couples suites, and other facilities. The resort is located on the shores of the Pacific Ocean, but should you prefer to swim in a pool, there are three infinity pools on the beach front. Or take to the beach for snorkeling or scenic excursions. That far from exhausts the list of possibilities. Your ventures and adventures can encompass bike tours, Mexican cocktail or guacamole classes, Spanish lessons or dance lessons, tours and excursions...and especially for kids there’s La Tortuga Children’s Club. The resort offers personalized butler service, 24-hour private dining, Internet access, and still more, but there comes a time when you want to retreat to your room, whether to sleep or just to enjoy some private time. The accommodations at the St. Regis are, to say the least, superb. They range from deluxe rooms with enchanting ocean or garden views and floor-to-ceiling windows, private terraces and outdoor showers, all the way through junior suites, with private entrances, deluxe suites, luxury one-bedroom suites (which include Jacuzzis and outdoor showers), a luxury two-bedroom suite (located in a private beach side villa, complete with a grand living area and fully appointed kitchen with a service entrance, as well as a private pool,outdoor shower, and Jacuzzi with a view, at a sumptuous total of 2,490 square feet), up to the Suite Amanacer (aka the Presidential Suite), also in a separate villa, with three full bedrooms, a grand living area, and even more amenities. Fall in love south of the border—with the St. Regis Resort in Punta Mita. For More Information: www.puntamita.com www.stregis.com
Bahia Golf Course 17th Hole
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PROPERTY
Clubhouse Great Room
LIVING THE DREAM By Helen Sparks
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t’s all about golf…or is it? Even the most avid of golfers has to concede that, in the grand scheme of things, there’s more to life than golf, no matter how many hours a week a person puts in on the golf course. There are nighttime hours, rainy days, and times when you—or your other half—want to do something different just for a change.
that surround you. Orchards, gardens, and native plants and birds provide breathtaking scenery and sounds that make your journey from one hole to the next more than a means of locomotion. Unrivaled beauty is yours to enjoy. And let’s not forget the spectacular ocean views the course at Kukuiula affords you. Hawaii is famous for its crashing surf, and you can enjoy some great scenic moments as you wend your way around Kukuiula’s masterful 18 holes.
At times like those, it’s good to live where there are ample recreational activities, where you’re surrounded by beauty, where your home can be spacious and luxurious…and where, speaking of those rainy days, there are actually very few, and the sun shines most of the time.
Need help with your game? Brian Paul, Kukuiula’s head golf pro, is fully equipped to help you with that slice, hook, or other issue.
Have I just described paradise? Yes, but paradise has another name, and that name is Kukuiula. Kukuiula is a sparkling new golf course community in what has often been termed “paradise on earth,” the state of Hawaii and, more specifically, on the island of Kaua’i. There is much besides the golf course to recommend Kukuiula, but let’s talk about the golf first. Tom Weiskopf ’s signature championship course is a pure masterpiece. The 18 holes wind through 216 breathtaking acres in the true Hawaiian tradition. The turf is paspalum, the fairways sand-plated, and the overall effect is to let you know without a doubt that you’re playing in Hawaii. As you work your way through the course, while focusing on your shots you can still take time to appreciate the beauties of nature
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But as they say, “All good things must come to an end,” and that applies as well to a day of challenging yet relaxing golf at Kukuiula. You surely have another day of good weather, good golf, and great times ahead of you tomorrow, but before you return to your home—and we’ll talk about the homes at Kukuiula in a moment— how about a little relaxation at Kukuiula’s famed Plantation House? It’s a happening place, a place with a panoply of possibilities for entertainment not only for you but for your family. From dining to games to a quiet but luxurious place to read or visit with your fellow members, you’ll find relaxation in many guises at Plantation House. Romantic yet grand, it offers a view from the front door of palms, pools, and the Pacific, which is at the foot of the rolling Great Lawn. The Great Lawn itself is a magic green carpet that extends from Plantation House’s front door down to the sparkling ocean waters and is also home to a fire pit. As well, it’s the venue for concerts under the stars.
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Kukukuila Hole 14
Plantation House
Clubhouse Sand Pool
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Other outdoor pursuits include dining. Members who avail themselves of the chef ’s delectable creations for their dinners can feast on these delights either indoors or out. From traditional Hawaiian pupu platters to main courses created with the freshest ingredients, dining at Kukuiula is a gourmet’s divine delight. Fresh local ingredients, often from Kukuiula’s own Upcountry Farm, are blended with imports from the mainland to ensure a dining experience that is not only thoroughly satisfying but unique. All right, that takes care of your dinner, but what about the rest of your evening…or your afternoon, if you played an early round and came in off the course well before dinner time? Passive or active, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. With Plantation House’s westward view, every sunset offers a spectacle that, on canvas, would cost a small fortune. At any hour, the famous geyser known as Spouting Horn offers a marvel of nature that will leave you in awe. Plantation House’s Game Room offers a plethora of pastimes from billiards to video games, from jukeboxes to 3-D movies. The Keiki Room is the junior version, especially for kids, where the activities vary from games to lessons in lei-crafting. And outdoors you can indulge your passion for playing beach volleyball, bocci ball, or horseshoes in the sunshine on the Great Lawn. Just a short distance from Plantation House, you’ll find Makai Pools, unlike any swimming venue you’ve ever enjoyed. The pools cascade down a gentle slope and include a wading pool, waterfalls, lagoons, beaches, soaker tubs, and loungers, some of which are positioned in shallow water. Imagine being able to reach down with your cupped hand to ensnare a bit of water with which to splash and refresh yourself as you lie in the warm, welcoming sun. If you’d rather get something wet inside you instead of on you, there are outdoor bars to quench your thirst for something refreshing. Amble over and order up your favorite cocktail, then enjoy it in the sunshine (or the shade). If it’s hunger rather than thirst that motivates you, find some yummies at the Beach House, where shade and snacks are the order of the day. And “order” is the right word, as you can even request a picnic basket “to go” and take it with you to enjoy in that perfect spot.
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Got your kids with you? While you’re enjoying that blissful stretch in the sun, drink at the bar, or swim in the pool, your kids can jump into the water from rock ledges just made for splashing down from, or enjoy the wheee! fun of water slides, including several that tunnel right through rock. Another of Kukuiula’s many pleasures is the spa, where swimming is only the start of the activities that await you. The sauna has a skylight, so you feel open and airy, not shut in a dark space as with so many other saunas. If you prefer moist heat to dry, there is a steam room too. Since you’re in Hawaii now, why not avail yourself of traditional lomilomi massage? And talking about traditional treatments, don’t forget acupuncture, available at Kukuiula’s spa as well. Free weights and treadmills are among the workout options, and yoga and pilates are offered too. Then there are the vichy shower and hydrotherapy tub, both high tech. Feeling playful? Balance in the fitness sandbox. There’s even a dance studio! The staff will custom-tailor treatments or a fitness program on request, taking your fitness level and interests into account. Time to relax? Enjoy a large and gentle swing within the confines of an intimate cabana with a view of the lap pool. Want to purchase items that continue to promote your well-being? Visit the spa’s own onsite boutique,with its offerings of custom-blended botanical and other products. On the subject of shopping, the very nearby Shops at Kukuiula offer a panorama of shopping opportunities as well as events such as the weekly Kauai Culinary Market and the monthly Art Walk. At the end of the day, come home to your spacious and elegantly appointed residence. It’s your choice to live in one of the “cottages”—a misnomer if ever there was one—with all the finest details and every element of gracious living, or buy land and have a home custom-developed just for you. Live the dream! Golf, play, relax, and live at Kukuiula. Golf community living has never been better.
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Lap Pool & Lounge
A GIRL’S GOTTA GO, SPECIALIZES IN VACATION PACKAGES FOR WOMEN, BY WOMEN, AND THOSE THEY TRAVEL WITH. There are a lot of things a girl’s gotta do, like juggling a full family life, a successful career and a packed social calendar, while staying calm and looking fabulous. Well, sometimes a girl’s just gotta go. That’s where we come in!
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WELLNESS
CrossFit Training improve By Camille Lamb
your
game
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n the twelve years since the founding of the fitness phenomenon, CrossFit gyms have exploded across the U.S. The number of “boxes,” the insider’s term for CrossFit gyms, now hovers around 3,400 and continues to grow. Those who have CrossFitting friends or relatives may have heard conflicting accounts of what a CrossFit class entails. Maybe one mentioned something about Olympic weight lifting, while another talked about jumping up and down on wooden boxes. Still another may have mentioned something about slamming medicine balls against the wall, while another described a mix of sprinting, rowing, and jumping rope against the clock. No one is lying. These are all examples of CrossFit exercises. But does combining all these mixed-up movements constitute a sport? Yes it does. Specifically, a sport whose very aim is to create confusion muscle confusion, that is. Nathan Forster, co-founder of CrossFit Miami Beach, says the CrossFit brand of muscle confusion is designed to make any athlete better at his or her sport, and golfers are no exception. A lifelong athlete, avid golfer, and former semi-pro tennis player, Forster played around the world before moving to Miami Beach in 2004. He discovered CrossFit nearly three years ago at one of the first boxes in South Florida. The then nightclub owner was an instant convert, despite the fact that the gym was in Kendall, an hour south of his home. “I tried it out, and fell in love with it,” Forster said. “The first day I was on the floor in a pool of my own sweat and then I would go every day, even though I lived on South Beach. I would drive every day through traffic to go do CrossFit.” When the owner of the Kendall box approached him about teaming up to open a similar gym on Miami Beach, Forster jumped at the chance. Forster says he was drawn to CrossFit because it gave him the results and the sense of competition he craved. “I had been an athlete, competing at a professional level. And after I would still work out, and I still pushed it, but I missed competing. So what was great about CrossFit was that I could compete with my friends and work out at the same time. I thought it was the greatest invention ever.” CrossFit workouts are a challenge, but contrary to popular myth, you don’t have to be in top shape to begin the sport. The workouts are modifiable to any fitness level. And if you’ve ever worked out in your life, you’ve probably already done some CrossFit exercises. “I feel like CrossFit takes a piece of every other type of fitness, and puts it all into one,” said Forster. “And it’s functional, so it’s fitness that helps you live everyday life. Not all fitness is like that. It’s teaching you to control your heart rate under intense situations. It’s teaching your
whole body to be fit in every way possible because every movement that you’re doing is different every single day, and it’s teaching you to perform under pressure. When you’re being timed, you still need to keep the correct technique. So you can’t just go crazy. You have to be educated and use your brain, but at the same time use your muscles to get the best results.” CrossFit workouts, like golf, rely heavily on core muscles and midline stabilization, says Forster. Strengthening your core lends itself to a more controlled and powerful golf swing (not to mention a great set of abs – Forster boasts not a 12-, but an 18-pack!). And the intense nature of CrossFit workouts helps build stamina for long days on the green. “So this transitions over to golf, when you’re at the tee and you’re looking to get some distance, and everyone wants distance off the tee. I have a smooth swing, a very very smooth swing, and I have a good swing speed, but all my speed comes from my core because my hips and my core are so strong. With CrossFit’s Olympic lifting and gymnastics movements, I go completely through the ball every time, I keep my core engaged, and I can hit the ball, you know, three-fifty off the tee.” Forster says golfers don’t even need to join a CrossFit gym to get started with CrossFit-style workouts. They can begin the exercises on the green or in their homes. Among the moves he recommends specifically for golfers are air squats for leg strength, pushup releases for increased upper body strength, and toe-to-bar exercises and burpees for core strength and all-day stamina. “We want to be able to carry that bag 18 holes – we don’t want fatigue to set in that’s going to interrupt the mental side of the game. Basically we don’t want you to ever worry about getting tired, and therefore you can focus on just hitting the ball.” Don’t have a lot of time to work out? Not a problem. Forster noted that CrossFit’s short, to-the-point workout style is both realistic and useful as a workout option for the lifestyle of today’s golfer. “The thing is that a golfer is not going to train like an NFL athlete. He’s not going to spend four or five hours in the gym and focus on his fitness. What a golfer is going to do is take three days a week and train for 45 minutes. And CrossFit does that so well for a golfer because he doesn’t have to be in a CrossFit box. He could be anywhere – at the course, at home. If he could just do it three days a week, he can really get results.” To see video demos on how you can incorporate CrossFit workouts on the green, go to TKTK. For more information contact: www.crossfitmiamibeach.net www.crossFit.com
Massage
For a Better Life
The Benefits of Pre-and Post-Game Massage By Amy Sung
T
he best golf courses are often attached to destination resorts, usually featuring a luxury spa on site. Not only do golf and massage work hand in hand in offering travelers a mix of leisure, relaxation and stress relief, they can also work together to benefit your golf game as well.
“The not-so-natural bending position held while in movement during golf swing doesn’t always come naturally,” Leslie Johnson, spa director at La Quinta Resort & Club and PGA WEST in La Quinta, California, points out. La Quinta Resort & Club and PGA WEST offers a sports massage with golfers in mind, and is home to the Jim McLean Golf School, which was rated one of the top teaching facilities in the country by U.S. News & World Report, CNN and Travel & Leisure. “More than 50% of us suffer from muscles stiffness. Golfers specifically hold stress in a variety of areas, such as the neck, shoulder or rotator cuff [and experience] lower leg imbalances and sometimes difficulties with wrists movement. Should these areas be sore already, muscles may not perform optimally, risking further strain and the possibility of injury, not to mention, a score that sometimes hurts as well.” Jim Croghan, director of spa and recreation for The Grand Del Mar, located in San Diego, agrees. The Grand Del Mar features a Tom Faziodesigned golf course offering spectacular fairways winding throughout the scenic valleys of the rugged Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve. “Massage helps relax stiff joints, improve circulation and if done regularly, can also assist with flexibility,” Croghan says. “An athletic massage is perfect for pre-and post game, and if done properly, will focus on stretching and friction massage targeted at your joints.” All aspects of the golfer’s experience can be enhanced through regular therapeutic massage sessions, Johnson agrees. “A program developed in coordination with your favorite golf pro and skilled sports therapists will provide massage and stretching techniques that focus on and support overall circulation and lymphatic cleansing while easing muscle tension,” she says, adding that this muscle relief inspires authentic movement and continues to contribute to our essential mobility and flexibility. “These innate changes open the potential for nervous system reprogramming, creating the perfect opportunity to adopt different strategies and new habits for improving overall performance on the course.” Croghan says he believes golfers should opt for both pre-and post-game massage with pre-game massage helping to improve flexibility in the hips and shoulders needed for a good game and the therapist can also provide
assisted stretching. After 18 holes, a massage can relieve tense muscles, sore feet and help to reduce inflammation. The Grand Del Mar’s 21,000-square-foot spa, Renaissance, offers a Core Elements massage, perfect for golfers, Croghan tells us. “When designing our menu, we felt it was important to design truly beneficial and therapeutic treatments, not just massages with fluff,” he explains. “The Core Elements is a 60-minute treatment that uses thoughtful, specific massage techniques and a detoxifying, nutrient-rich mud wrap, focused solely on the core. This part of the body is often neglected and we wanted a treatment that embraced such a crucial area of the body.” Renaissance also has an extended 90-minute version, which includes an upper back and shoulder massage, also great for golfers specifically. “Our core-hips, abs, glutes and lower back-is where all the movement in the body originates,” Croghan says. “If it’s not strong and flexible, we may have issues that result in poor posture, pain and more.” Many times with specialty massage and body alignment therapies, newly discovered core strength also promotes balance, posture and the breath, which is reflected during the golfer’s stance and swing, Johnson adds. “Many golf enthusiasts now appreciate that muscle-specific massage designed for golfers and customized for individual goal achievement not only enhances their game but reduces the risk of injury,” Johnson says. The Grand Del Mar’s 21,000-square-foot spa, Renaissance, offers a Core Elements massage, perfect for golfers, Croghan tells us. “When designing our menu, we felt it was important to design truly beneficial and therapeutic treatments, not just massages with fluff,” he explains. “The Core Elements is a 60-minute treatment that uses thoughtful, specific massage techniques and a detoxifying, nutrient-rich mud wrap, focused solely on the core. This part of the body is often neglected and we wanted a treatment that embraced such a crucial area of the body.” Renaissance also has an extended 90-minute version, which includes an upper back and shoulder massage, also great for golfers specifically. “Our core¾hips, abs, glutes and lower back¾is where all the movement in the body originates,” Croghan says. “If it’s not strong and flexible, we may have issues that result in poor posture, pain and more.” Many times with specialty massage and body alignment therapies, newly discovered core strength also promotes balance, posture and the breath, which is reflected during the golfer’s stance and swing, Johnson adds. “Many golf enthusiasts now appreciate that muscle-specific massage designed for golfers and customized for individual goal achievement not only enhances their game but reduces the risk of injury,” Johnson says.
By Erika Ramelli
Mindfulness A Samurai’s Best Weapon
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s our modern world rapidly spins us into constant change, the ability to adapt has become the golden sought-after skill! The biggest illness affecting our society is the ever spreading mental weakness affecting individuals of all ages and inhibiting the development of razor-sharp attention, focus and control. The mind has slowly become a victim of marketing suffocation, therefore sparking thoughts that, like fireworks, explode in all directions. While the valuable energy needed to impulse actions is weakened, will-power quietly transforms into procrastination. As the precious simplicity of the human existence gets constantly bombarded by billboards, expectations, e-mails, regulations, colors, sounds and never ending to-do lists, the mind-body connection slowly vanishes and memory is directly affected. It is time to regain power and strengthen the inner-ability to mold the mind by controlling the emotions of fear and doubtfulness before these make it to maturity. Therefore, dear warrior, your first battle consists of conquering your own thoughts and fears. Men have traditionally focused on physical and non-emotional activities, consequently positioning the body’s strength as the main goal. Yet, interestingly enough through history, the incontestable Samurai’s skill was not rooted in strength but in a powerful code of self-discipline. For them, Meditation, poetry, flower arranging, calligraphy and etiquette were in-bated in daily life. Noncombat skills helped them develop patience, compassion and kindness and were as important as martial arts. Success starts in the mind, yet so does fear. Therefore, developing a righteous mind-set with a strong mind-body bond is the secret to constant assertiveness. Just like a bow can only successfully shoot one arrow at the time, the human brain can only engage in one activity at a time. There is not such thing as a “successful multi-tasker.” This term is an absolute misconception. The human brain can only perform one task at a time. What is possible though, is to successfully change directions extremely fast, leaving almost no time between the effective completion of each thought or actions. The controlled and educated razor-like mind has then, and only then, the capability to switch gears with amazing precision.
Get in the habit of exercising your Samurai’s mind by developing the appropriate mind-set for each activity you approach. The main attention-pillars are Work, Family, Personal interests and Learning. Take each opportunity to “work-out” your inner ability to guide the mind without letting it wonder without direction. Mindfulness will reign as anger, doubts and fears are conquered. Samurai’s were highly respected as their philosophy expected them to set examples and become admired role-models. Tips to develop your Samurai-like mind:
The activity has to match the mind-set.
A.
When at work typing and e-mail, just focus on that recipient, the topic an the purpose.
B. C.
Dress appropriately for each occasion. If at home hearing your child’s story, bring your attention to his/her words listen. Try to relate to the emotional information as well as the verbal. Take off your shoes and allow your body-language to induce a child-like mind.
Only keep attention and focus for a limited time.
A.
Here is a quick an easy exercise to get you started. While driving; pick a distance between traffic lights, or exist on the highway. (If you live in a city with public transportation try it between subway stations). Focus your full attention on your body and bring awareness to your breathing pattern. Just for that predetermined distance, notice each one of your senses. Think of nothing else other than the noises, the smells, the sensations and observe your thoughts. Once your destination is reached, relax and try it again at a later date.
B.
When golfing, bring your awareness to your grip, your posture and only focus on the desired destination of your ball. Once your shot is completed relax and carry on.
Engage in detail oriented activities.
A.
Make sure your week includes physical activities as well as some very detail oriented ones, requiring precision and focus. This will ensure your ability to exercise the left and right brain.
B.
Learn to Meditate!
ERIKA RAMELLI is a Swiss-Colombian world wellness leader and
entrepreneur that built a highly impacting Wellness & Longevity Consulting company with clients in over 9 countries. Her unique holistic approach to lifestyle and business has positioned her as preferred private wellness consultant to Executives, Professional Athletes, Recording Artists, Politicians and lately, with leading Corporations, luxury Hotels and Spas. www.betterhumans.net
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r e h s i F Island The alluring aura of mystique, an
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| John Walder
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